In a significant move to enhance food safety standards, the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has proposed new amendments to the maximum residue levels (MRLs) for methidathion in Great Britain (GB), covering England, Scotland, and Wales. Methidathion, an active substance previously used in plant protection products, is no longer approved for use in GB, and the proposed amendments aim to further safeguard public health by lowering MRLs to the limit of quantification.
Key Highlights
- Methidathion Review:
- Methidathion has been identified as a substance with potential harmful effects on human health.
- HSE proposes to lower all MRLs for methidathion to the limit of quantification to eliminate potential health risks.
- The draft reasoned opinion of the review of MRLs for methidathion is available on the HSE website.
- International Trade Compliance:
- The proposed MRL changes have been notified to the World Trade Organization (WTO) to meet the UK’s international trade obligations.
- The draft reasoned opinion and the review document can be accessed via the HSE and WTO links provided.
- Timeline:
- The proposed date for adoption and publication of the new MRLs will be confirmed following the WTO process.
- The new MRLs will come into force six months after the date of adoption/publication.
- An update on the final MRLs agreed upon and the entry into force date will be communicated through HSE’s ebulletin service.
- Public Consultation:
- Stakeholders and the public have until 1 September 2024 to submit comments on the proposed changes.
- Comments can be sent to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) at uksps@defra.gov.uk.
- Alignment with Codex Standards:
- The proposed changes align GB’s MRLs with the Codex standards, following the revocation of Codex MRLs for methidathion in December 2023.
- The JMPR (Joint Meeting of the FAO and WHO on Pesticide Residues) scientific assessment and related Codex reports support the proposed amendments.
- Specific Changes:
- The MRLs for methidathion across various commodities, including fruits, vegetables, nuts, and animal products, have been detailed. For instance, the MRL for methidathion in apples, pears, and quinces is proposed to be lowered from 0.03 mg/kg to 0.01 mg/kg.
The initiative reflects the ongoing commitment of Great Britain’s independent pesticides regulatory regime to ensure food safety and public health while adhering to international standards and trade obligations.
